nestle

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a close and affectionate (and often prolonged) embrace
  2. verb move or arrange oneself in a comfortable and cozy position
  3. verb lie in a sheltered position

Etymology

From Middle English nestelen, nestlen, from Old English nistlan, nestlian, nistlian (“to make or build a nest”), from Proto-West Germanic *nistilōn (“to build or occupy a nest; nestle”), equivalent to nest + -le. Cognate with Middle Low German nëstelen (“to build a nest”), Dutch nestelen (“to nest, nestle”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

cuddle, snuggle

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